Arab Television Industries is a course that examines the developments of Arab TV over a range of approaches such as cultural, social, political, and technological. As time progressed, Arab television advanced from traditional broadcasting to satellite technologies which aided its wide impact and reach across cultures internationally. The cultural perspective of the course sheds a light on the role that Arab television plays in demonstrating and influencing Arab identity, perceptions, and norms which is in a constant battle between modernity and traditionalism. The social lens of the course reflects on the societal changes such as gender roles, public opinion, and social justice that are either perpetuated or expressed through Arab television.The political lens exhibits how Arab television serves as a crucial arena where political discourse and influence is at its peak as we compare channels that are independent versus state controlled. Through this lens, we uncover the political agendas behind these channels and how they shape public opinion and participate in soft power diplomacy. In essence, Arab television and its many changes are symbolic of the larger socio-political events that are affecting the Arab world today.
The study of Arab television industries and its cultural, social, and political lenses with an Arab perspective, especially aided my project through its segment of discussing Lebanese channels, politics, and society which is exhibited in my project for the course that is about Lebanon and the agendas of its political channels and technological transformation. Generally, through the cultural lens, I learned that Arab television’s depiction of women in politics molds societal perceptions and norms about women and their authority. If the culture of negative stereotypes were nonexistent in the Arab world, then the media could have been used to feature female political participants to challenge these stereotypes and promote political participation. Through the social lens, talk shows and political debates have been proven to reach wider audiences, especially the youth. Hence, providing a platform for women to advocate for their ability to thrive in the political field, the rights that women deserve, and the issues that they face in both the political and non-political aspects. This mobilization of female empowerment and political participation would influence the Arab social discourse to accept and support the presence of women in political spheres. Politically, both state-controlled and independent channels can be a powerful tool for change through portraying women in a positive light by emphasizing their achievements and contributions to policy changes and their respective governments. All in all, these are valuable lessons learned that offer a unique window into the intricacies and contradictions of the modern Arab world.
